Digital library services for effective learning and research activities during covid-19 lockdown period in Nigeria

Abstract

This study reviewed the roles of digital library services in facilitating effective learning and research activities during COVID-19 lockdown  period in Nigeria. A library is a social institution without which an educational institution and a well-informed nation will not be complete. However, the unplanned closure of libraries for COVID-19 came with obvious implications on the education industry globally despite the fact that the decision to close library appears to be right considering the need to contain the Coronavirus pandemic. This study investigated the purpose of using digital library; ascertaining the effects of COVID-19 lockdown on learning and research activities and finding out the influence of digital library services on learning and research activities during COVID-19 lockdown period in Nigeria.  Descriptive research design of survey type was used in this study while total enumeration was used to include all the 10 academic librarians of Gbenga Daniel's Library, Tai Solarin University of Education to form the sample size for the study. The data was analysed  using descriptive method of frequency count, percentages and mean scores. Findings revealed that the major purposes of using digital library service during COVID-19 lockdown period are to; enhance search and access information, meet the core needs of users and share online resources. Also, findings showed that that COVID-19 lockdown interrupted learning; shattered the academic dreams of students; deny students access to school facilities and research laboratories, loss of interest in reading habit among learners and limit researchers' ability. Moreover, result of the finding indicated that digital library service promotes public health awareness; provides information regarding COVID-19 preventive measures; and enable researcher to acquired relevant journals and literatures during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown period in Nigeria. The study concluded that the need for adoption of digital library in education as a way to curb the effects of
Coronavirus lockdown and other future pandemics in Nigeria.

Keywords: Digital Library, Learning and Research Activities, COVID-19 Lockdown Period, Nigeria